Nonprofits | Philanthropy 2023: ISAM GHANIM

In his second year as president and CEO at ChildFund International, Ghanim continues to advance the organization’s mission of improving the well-being of children in some of the world’s poorest places.

The 85-year-old international children’s charity has assisted more than 21.1 million children and family members in more than 20 countries with programs and services focusing on areas such as health care, education and workforce training.

Ghanim previously served as executive vice president for programs at the global nonprofit, formerly known as the Christian Children’s Fund. Born and raised in central Sudan, he earned his master’s degree from the University of Khartoum and started his career in international development with CARE Sudan. He also served as president of Search for Common Ground, an international nonprofit organization focused on ending global conflict, before being tapped to lead ChildFund.

ChildFund recently started a campaign to make online spaces safer for children in the Asia-Pacific region, with the goal of reducing online sexual abuse and exploitation. This new initiative will focus on addressing risks while helping children and young adults become effective digital citizens.